Monday, January 17, 2011

benjamin's Christmas presents

This year I was determined to have a (mostly) handmade Christmas, gifting things that I had crafted with care instead of simply things I purchased. The only problem is that I have a hard time figuring out things to make for Benjamin. After much searching for ideas (something not too cheesy, not too useless, not too fru-fru, etc.), I found one that inspired me to make the following photo/calligraphy gift for him to put at his desk at work.
I also put the finishing touches on the scarf I had intended to give him for Christmas last year but hadn't finished in time. He has worn it most days since Christmas, so it was definitely a success!
In addition I gave him the two books he needed to complete his C. S. Lewis space trilogy set. Books are one thing for which I don't mind breaking my all handmade rule of thumb. I knew he'd enjoy getting them because they are some of the few books he has actually reread.

He was delighted with all his gifts, and I was pleased that I made good choices. : )

Friday, January 14, 2011

my dad's Christmas present

For my dad's gift this year I decided to do a calligraphy of part two of his favorite psalm, Psalm 19. I made part one for his birthday last year.

I had an entirely different idea of what this calligraphy was going to look like when I started, but it simply was not working. I became tired, discouraged, and (I must admit) a little frustrated, so I put it away. When I finally returned to the project just days before Christmas, I just didn't have it in me to continue rehashing the old plan and came up with a new one instead.

I'm very pleased with how it ended up turning out. I love the contrast of the two fonts and was delighted with how perfectly the text fit in the frame.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

firsts

Yesterday morning we had a little scare that ended up amounting to nothing. It was enough, however (especially after my miscarriage last year), that my doctor ordered an ultrasound and asked me to come in for a quick check up.

This was the first first trimester ultrasound that I've ever had. It was fun to get to see my growing baby earlier this time. Not to mention the relief and joy I felt to see the baby's heart beating away healthily and to see its' little feet kicking and arms waving!

This is the first picture ever taken of little Sweet Pea. (Sweet Pea is waving "hi" to you all.) : ) It blows my mind to think that this tiny baby is only about two inches long, yet it has fingers, toes, a little face, and the ability to move around. Truly we are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

my mom's Christmas present

And so I begin my series of better-late-than-never Christmas posts in which I catch up on documenting all of the projects that I couldn't share before.

For my Mum's Christmas gift, I enjoyed reworking a doodle I came up with back in October. I was delighted with the final result. (Click on the photo to see it larger.)

I'm loving this more flowy, free form calligraphy style. I'm also getting a little spoiled because the pencil sketches I have to begin with make for a one-draft project which suits my project-hopping personality to a T.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

announcement

Oh, how I've missed my little space in bloggy-world. I feel badly about not posting, have great intentions about posting (oh, I have a lot to say!), and then I procrastinate. I think the break has been good, though, and I have excellent excuses. First I had a miserable cold/sinus infection combination followed by a flu. By the time we all recovered, we were in a whirl of Christmas celebration. My computer dropped out of commission. Then I caught another, uncomfortably violent flu. And on top of it all there was the morning sickness...

That's right! We're having another baby. :D I just passed the 10 week mark and am beginning to feel less sick and regain some energy. My first appointment is this Friday, and I can't wait to hear the baby's heartbeat! And I must admit that I'm hoping for a girl, though another little boy would make me just as happy.